I keep it basketball related, no low malicious blows verbally ala Kevin Garnett. Always topical. Depends on the situation. I usually don't talk trash or instigate. If there is a player on the opposite squad talking, I respond in kind with my play, and then talk trash. I do it to motivate teammates and show they shouldn't be scared or intimidated. Otherwise, I let my play do the talking.

i say little things here and there that only the intended player can hear. if i can get him to become really selfish and he fails to produce, his teammates will stop passing him the ball. Then i don't have to play D (except help and get steals)

i dont really talk trash unless its someone i know. i dont wanna piss off someone who could be psychotic. not to say i have not talked shit back to dudes who start with me, i almost always do. i try to stick up for teammates too, and end up getting in fights or them wanting to kill me usually always the smallest guy on the court too